Photography Provided By: Champagne
**Me: So, tell us – who's the amazing woman behind the name Champagne?
~Champagne: If you mean the origin of my name, the party responsible for that would actually be my dad! He was a musician who spent most of his life chasing superstardom. He named me Champagne because he was convinced that I would be some sort of star or important figure and he wanted me to have an iconic name like Chaka Khan or Cher. I used to hate my name growing up- it was always a conversation piece whenever I entered a new space or met someone new and in a lot of ways it forced me to be in the spotlight from a young age. As a result, I spent a lot of time creating new "normal" nicknames for myself. I've gone by everything from "CeeCee" to my middle name "Rene". Now at my big age of almost 35 I'm finally warming up to it. It feels good to finally just be Champagne.
If you mean "who is Champagne?" as a person, well...apparently a very long-winded author with a troubled past and a dark sense of humor- ha! Really, I'm just a lady with a story. I hope sharing my truth will inspire others to share theirs-or even just help one person feel seen.
**Me: Before we dive in, what's something you just *can't* do? Wow your talent shines through, especially considering everything you've overcome.
~Champagne:I can't do cockroaches. I'll scream. I'll cry. I'm terrified of them. I grew up fishing them out of my Honey Bunches of Oats (yes girl, roaches in the cerealllll) Hard no. Can't do it.
Hmm...I also probably can't do a cartwheel anymore. My knees are starting to go downhill. I can't whistle...and I can't snap my fingers. Well...at least not the way most people snap their fingers. When I show you, you'll probably laugh. My husband gets a kick out of it.
**Me: How would you describe the difference between little girl Champagne and the incredible woman you are today?
~Champagne: I think the biggest difference between little girl Champagne and who I am today is faith. That little girl had so much faith and hope in herself. I was wildly creative and thoughtful and enterprising. I found methods to make a way out of no way. These days I'm much more cautious...a lot more fearful of taking chances. I've been working really hard on bridging that gap. I'm almost there-almost back home to myself. I've been doing the work of undoing the harmful narratives told to me and being that confident and creative person again. Every day I think of ways I can be more like little me. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for her. I seek to honor her, always.
**Me: If you could sum up your whole life in a single sentence, what would it be?
~Champagne: "I've fought my whole life for the strength to be soft"
Me: Let's talk about "Weak Ink"! What gave you the courage to share your story with the world?
Honestly, I give zero credit to courage. This book is only available because I was peer pressured into publishing it. My dear friend (hi Charity!) insisted that I self-publish it after I told her I was writing the book as a sort of form of therapy. Hear that, kids? Bullying works! -ha!
~Champagne: No but seriously, I actually pulled the book off the shelves after about 2 months because I was a little self-conscious about it. One afternoon 2 years later I randomly felt compelled to share my story a bit to try to encourage others in an IG Reel (truly, nothing but God tbh) and there became a bit of interest in my story from the internet. People asked me to write a book about my experience and lo and behold...I'd already written it, so it worked out pretty well. All I had to do was hit "publish" again. I was admittedly very nervous about it- less so about sharing my story and more worried that people wouldn't enjoy it or that I wasn't a good enough writer. That fear melted away once I started reading the DMs and emails folks sent me about how my story impacted them. Easy to let go of that ego of wanting to be perfect when you see that you're helping people, which is what I wanted all along anyway.
**Me: What's the one thing you hope every reader takes away from your book?
~Champagne: That we are more than what happens to us in this life, and that every second is another chance to make a different choice. We can find happiness and peace even after enduring the most horrific and painful things. We deserve it- we all do.
**Me: Where can people get their hands on a copy of "Weak Ink"?
~Champagne: "Weak Ink" is available on Amazon with both Kindle and Paperback options here. It's also now available to purchase directly from my website: www.champagnerene.com/shop
**Me: I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your parents. It sounds like it had a deep impact. Has that experience shaped your approach to parenting?
~Champagne: Losing both my parents so early in my motherhood journey absolutely impacted my approach to parenting from a sentimental perspective. Guiding and raising these little humans while having my own mortality at the forefront of my mind helped with giving myself grace but also recognizing how precious these moments are. I also find myself still grieving the loss of my parents through different stages of my children's development. They'll never see my sons' first day of school or watch them ride their bikes without training wheels for the first time...every new experience is a subtle reminder that they're missing it but also a reminder to me to be present in it and savor it.
Me: Your sister's passing I am sure was incredibly difficult. How has that influenced your life?
Champagne: Britney's passing changed everything for me in a lot of ways. I was on a completely different path in life. I was med school bound. I'd had all these plans to come back to Compton with my white coat and be the example to her that she could do something different than what she'd been shown...it felt like hope was ripped away. It forced me to take a hard look at myself. I was doing a lot of things out of ego and trying to prove myself. Losing her made me want to become a better person and to be more honest about who I wanted to be and why. Sometimes when I'm feeling lost I'll go back through my old YouTube videos and read her comments. She was always my biggest fan. I'm still trying to make her proud.
**Me: Are there any more books in the works? We're eagerly anticipating more from you!
~ Champagne: Yes! The second edition of Weak Ink will be coming out soon- it'll be a bit more theatrical. It will include everything that is already in the book but flesh out a few more details and add a bit more structure. It'll be a true novel and that version will be the one that the movie will be based off of.
I'm also working on a few short films that will be based on novellas I've written, and a children's book about having a unique name :) I'm basically just creating things I needed to see when I was a kid. I'm so excited to share them!
**Me: Finally, could you share your social media links so my readers can connect with you?
My Review:
I recently had the honor of reading Weak Ink, and from the very first page, I was captivated. This book is a true page-turner—raw, honest, and deeply moving. As I read, I found myself asking, How could the person in these photos and videos be the same person whose story I’m holding in my hands?
Without revealing too much, I’ll say this: Weak Ink is a powerful testimony of survival, resilience, and healing. Champagne bravely shares her experiences growing up in a toxic household—something many people endure but rarely speak about. Her story touches on the kind of trauma that’s often buried deep or brushed aside, and she brings it to light with unapologetic honesty.
What stood out most to me was the way she told her story—blunt, emotional, and at times laced with humor and curse words that made me smile. It felt like she was speaking directly to me, not just as a reader, but as a woman, a mother, and someone who understands the weight of pain and the power of healing.
Champagne’s journey includes moments that are heartbreaking and deeply personal and inspiring. Yet through it all, she shows us what it means to fight for peace, to seek grace, and to find strength in vulnerability.
As a mother, this book made me hug my children tighter. As a woman, it reminded me that healing is possible—but you have to want it. Weak Ink inspired me to reflect, to forgive, and to nurture not only the woman I am today, but the little girl I once was.
Champagne deserves immense credit for offering readers a first step toward healing. Her story is a reminder that holding everything in isn’t always the answer. Whether through therapy, journaling, or simply speaking your truth, there is freedom in letting go.
⭐ Final Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Highly recommended for anyone seeking courage, connection, and a deeper understanding of what it means to overcome.
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